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The Guttural toad (Sclerophrys gutturalis) is indigeno
us and prolific in most of southern Africa, but is NOT indigenous to the Cape Peninsula, where it competes with other amphibians such as the endangered Western Leopard toad (Sclerophrys pantherina). Over the past few years they have invaded Constantia and Bishopscourt and have recently been found in Noordhoek. Why these areas, you ask? The reason is that Guttural toads enjoy lush gardens with ponds.

In order to control this toad’s populations and minimise the damage to other amphibians, a team of experts, the NCC Environmental Services, has been appointed by the City of Cape Town to implement the Guttural Toad Project.

The Guttural toad looks similar to the Leopard toad, but has less striking “leopard spots” and a cross on its head. When stressed it can excrete a sticky gel on its skin which is toxic to other animals, such as dogs and cats. Do not kiss this toad! The Guttural toad croaks at night with an abrasive loud “crrrr…crrrr…crrrr…crrrr…”. There is a video with sound effects on our Facebook page.

DO NOT EVER move amphibians, tadpoles or eggs from one location to another, as you may be spreading an invasive species. If you have one in your garden, trap it in a bucket or plastic bakkie, if you can.

IF YOU SEE OR HEAR A GUTTURAL TOAD (or think it may be one) contact NCC Environmental Services who will arrange to come and identify and remove the toad to be used for study purposes: 021 702 2884 or 083 240 6126 or 071 873 2340 or gutturaltoads@ncc-group.co.za

Glass wing Butterfly, found in Central and South America.
A butterfly with transparent wings is rare and beautiful.
As delicate as finely blown glass, the presence of this rare tropical gem is used by rain forest ecologists as an indication of high habitat quality and its demise alerts them of ecological change.
Rivalling the refined beauty of a stained glass window,
The translucent wings of the Glass wing butterfly shimmer in the sunlight like polished panes of turquoise, orange, green, and red.

It is inconceivable that yet another juvenile baboon was shot with a pellet gun at the naval flats in Da Gama Park on 14 February 2016.Three baboons have been killed on naval property since July 2015.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA wildlife manager, Megan Reid, together with HWS rangers will assist in putting a docket together for submission to the Simonstown Police Station for prosecution under the Animal Protection Act (Act 71 of 1962).

Baboon field managers are currently collecting as much evidence as possible and HWS will follow the same processes as were done with the two pellet shootings in Scarborough during December, 2015. The alleged Scarborough shooter is due to appear in the Simonstown Magistrate’s Court on 23 February, 2016.

Please protest against this cruelty by voicing your concerns using social media and spread the word amongst your friends.

The City will simulate an emergency exercise in Simon’s Town to test the response of various agencies to a rail disaster. Read more below:

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre is coordinating a safety exercise at the Simon’s Town railway station on Tuesday 2 February 2016, simulating a rail disaster.

The exercise is being done in collaboration with various other agencies including the City Fire and Rescue Service, Metrorail, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, Transnet, the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, the National Sea Rescue Institute, Emergency Medical Services and Forenic Pathology Services.

The scenario will involve a train colliding with a diesel tanker en route to the Simon’s Town Naval Base, causing the train to catch alight. A hazardous spill will also form part of the scenario. Members of the public – pet owners in particular – are advised that smoke grenades and thunder flashes will be used.

The purpose of the exercise is to test response times of the various agencies, to test the Incident Command System and how the various role players work together, and to identify any shortcomings. The recent incident in Glencairn where a train caught alight, resulting in a fatality as well as a massive vegetation fire, makes the exercise all the more important.

A number of roads will be closed for the duration of the exercise, which runs from 10:00 until 14:00, as outlined below. Residents and businesses are advised to please take note of these closures:
· Red Hill Road and Main Road
· Red Hill Road and Palace Hill Road
· Palace Hill Road and Jubilee Street
· Waterfall Road and Main Road/St Georges Street

The City of Cape Town apologises for any inconvenience caused and appeals to the public to please comply with any requests from emergency services staff on the day.

For 90 years and until 1996 when the Simon’s Town municipality became part of a Greater South Peninsula, the municipal flag containing the registered arms (see below) of the town flew over it. In 1996, the arms and flag were transferred to the Simon’s Town Historical Society.

When STADCO assumed control of Jubilee Square and the Jetty to operate on behalf of the Cape Town Metropole, permission was granted to them to fly the old flag on Jubilee Square as an identifying symbol.

Because of the intricate design, the cost of replacement flag became too expensive and it was felt the formal device was not recognisable to most residents or visitors. In fact it was supposed to be based on the arms of Simon van der Stel after whom we are named but was later discovered to be those of his son Willem Adrian who was discredited after his term of office!

It was thus decided to design a new and more representative, but heraldically correct, flag that would not only be flown on Jubilee Square but would be a community flag that any business or resident could share and would promote pride in the community and be a unique identity for a community that still sees itself as a town rather than just a part of Cape Town.

This process took a year with the major community organisations such as the ST Civic Association, the ST Business Association, the ST Historic Society and the ST Community Police Forum being approached for comment and approval.

The flag has now been flown with the National Flag on Jubilee Square since July 2015.

Top two cantons form Municipal arms while anchor represents Navy influence and presence with Roman Rock light as unique symbol.

Due to a number of requests, these flags may now be ordered through the STADCO Office on the Square and are available in two sizes; Standard (180mm x 90mm) and Storm (90mm x 60mm) – prices on request). In addition, bumper stickers and small fridge magnets displaying the flag are available at the STADCO Office for R10-R20 depending on size.

As the flag belongs to the community, businesses (including guest houses) can order their own stock to sell, direct from the supplier.

It is hoped that this simple flag will promote a greater pride in the community, promote the town and even contribute to our economic activity.

Snake Season is here
The cold wet winter has come to an end and snakes have come out of hibernation so please be aware and heed the advice given by Reptile Education Awareness Consultants (REAC) who promote snake awareness.

Cape Cobra W Cape

Why are snakes important?
Snakes are an important natural balance in our environment controlling the vermin like rodents and other disease-carrying pests we find around our properties.

What to do if you encounter a snake
Do not attempt to capture or disturb it, just keep an eye on it and contact REAC to remove the animal so it can be returned to the wild.

The sight of a snake frightens most people, but, as a general rule, snakes are just as frightened of you as you are of them. Often they move as quickly as possible in the opposite direction. Snakes will only defend themselves if threatened and will not attack anyone who leaves them alone.

Do snakes cause damage to property?
No, snakes do not cause damage to property

How do you keep snakes off your property?
There is no real way of keeping snakes off your property, but if you keep your grass cut short, trees well trimmed and clean up all your building rubble, just to mention a few, then there is less likelihood that snakes will be attracted or remain on your property. In short, keep your garden tidy.

Who can you call if there is a snake on my property?
If you encounter a snake on your property contact Shaun Macleod , Director of REAC immediately on Cell 082 532 5033. There is no call out fee but a donation towards the cost of fuel would be most welcome.

If you would like to engage with Shaun his email address is: MacAdderbite@yahoo.com

“Snakes may be scary to some, but every living thing on the planet has a purpose.Stand back and admire them, see them for their beauty and magnificence. They need and deserve our help and respect.”

Summer appears to have arrived at last, so Anchors Away will be giving you a glance at new summer fashions from A.P.Jones. This event is just around the corner, so book your seats as soon as possible please. There will be raffles and prizes to be won.